It is simply not acceptable that thoughts of attack should mar one of the most holy of days on the Islamic calendar.
Festivity and fear now live together in our country. As we mark Eidul Azha, security concerns have emerged once more, with the Islamabad Police on top alert. Similar measures have also, most certainly, been put in place in other cities given past incidents on Eid and other occasions. Naturally, we should be thinking, very seriously, about how to eliminate this fear. It is simply not acceptable that thoughts of attack should mar one of the most holy of days on the Islamic calendar.
As we mark this Eidul Azha, with traditional sacrifice and celebration, we should also be considering what it means to the majority of people in our country. Today, a far greater number than usual will eat well, with meat appearing on tables where it is usually never seen. But one day in the year is not enough. We must also remember that in a time of high unemployment and inflation, there are many who go hungry day after day, surviving at subsistence levels. The latest National Nutritional Survey reflects this and also shows women and children are the worst victims of hunger. We should consider this reality and make a concerted effort towards change. We should also consider if, like so many other occasions, Eidul Azha has become a time for ostentatious display rather than humble sacrifice in some circles and how we can regain the true spirit of the festival. We must not, at this time, forget the majority that struggles with poverty and deprivation, day after day.
Indeed, we mark this Eid at a time when many challenges confront us. Of course, the occasion will be a time for families to come together, for friends to meet and for outings to be planned. But we need also to think about how our country as a whole can be united, so that the frictions which so badly damage us can be eased and we can mark future festivals with a little less concern about terrorist threats or the other dangers that have come to live among us, with no end in sight right at the moment. This is a state of affairs that needs to change. And we can make this occasion all the more meaningful by making this day one on which that change for the better can begin.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 16th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (6)
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Karl:I mentioned Jews and Christians because they also follow Abraham and have given up this tradition of killing animals. Everybody has a right to express his opinion, but if somebody goes one step further and insults the other other with: "does in no way show characteristics of a good human being", then that is not expressing an opinion but insulting other's opinion. If people do not know the difference, it is no use discussing any further.
I wonder why on Earth people are obsessed with "what Jews and Christians do we should do too"? They speak about abolishing the act of slaughtering animals altogether for its futility but make no sense at all. Using sentences like " blindly following tradition" for an act that is at the heart of millions around the world does in no way show characteristics of a good human being. Everyone is entitled to the right of expression and i just used mine. We can all continue with our beliefs and slaughter animals if we want. Peace
@Concerned: It is true that every religion has its traditions. But all the other religions have reformed, even hindus. India's constitution bans discrimination against untouchables. Also it has banned sati, where wives killed themselves after the death if their husbands. I just wanted to point out the futility of killing animals on one day, an opinion I have a right to express. Just like you have pointed out the futility when hindus follow the tradition of offering fruits and sweets to idols. Or do you think we can afford a one way agenda, where we can say what we want but others are not allowed. I have met many hindus who complain about some not so nice things in their faith and yet are hindus. Nobody calls them infidels for pointing out the shortcomings.
@Toticalling:
Every religion has its traditions which are observed by its followers. You may find the tradition of sacrificing animals in the name of Allah unimportant but for Muslims, it signifies their willingness to sacrifice everything for Allah. Similarly, many people find the tradition of offering fruits and sweets to idols unimportant but it is a religious practice of Hindus. It will be better if we learn to respect each other's religious traditions rather than forcing people to stop following them.
Secondly, the meat from animals sacrificed on Eid is distributed amongst the poor and is sent to poor countries like Somalia so please correct you information in this regard.
ET please publish.
Toticalling : Better than your idea will be not to kill at all humans or animals. Become a vegetarian.
Sacrificing lamb started when Abraham was asked by God to kill his son and later asked him to kill a lamb. Jews and Christians also believe in Abraham, but have stopped this killing tradition. Killing animals on one day in such large numbers is a waste, which benefits nobody. People want to eat for 365 days in a year and not on one day. The problem is that nobody talks about such reformist ideas and carry on following blindly this old tradition. I say, help a child or a widow or anybody who is sick and out of job. There are so many good things you can do. I believe that it is better to be a good human being than a blind follower I hope I am not the only one to walk this lane.